A group of Arkansas families has filed a federal lawsuit to stop the implementation of a new state Commandments law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The law, signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in April, requires both the Ten Commandments and the national motto “In God We Trust” to be prominently displayed in public school classrooms and other public buildings. Set to take effect in August, the law stipulates that the posters must meet specific size requirements and be privately funded or donated.
The plaintiffs, a coalition of multi-faith families, argue that the Commandments law violates their constitutional rights, including religious freedom and parental control over the religious upbringing of their children. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed the lawsuit on behalf of the families.
Concerns Over Religious Coercion and Inclusivity
The families’ lawsuit emphasizes the potential harm of mandating religious texts in educational settings. “Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library — rendering them unavoidable — unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance,” the lawsuit states. It further argues that the law promotes a “state-favored religious scripture,” alienating students who follow other faiths or no religion at all.
Plaintiff Samantha Stinson, identified as a Jewish parent, expressed concern that the law imposes a “Christian-centric translation” of the Ten Commandments on children throughout their school day. “This Commandments law will infringe on our rights as parents and create an unwelcoming and religiously coercive school environment,” she said in a press release. The plaintiffs argue that the law could silence or marginalize students whose beliefs differ from the state-endorsed display.
School Districts Named, Broader Implications
Four school districts—Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs, and Springdale—have been named in the lawsuit, although the legal challenge targets the constitutionality of the state Commandments law rather than specific actions taken by these districts. Fayetteville Public Schools, Bentonville Schools, and Siloam Springs School District stated they do not comment on pending litigation but acknowledged that the suit questions the legality of the state legislation, not their local actions. Springdale Schools has not responded publicly.
The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the Commandments law’s enforcement while the court deliberates. The case reflects a broader national debate, with similar legislation signed in Louisiana last year also facing legal scrutiny. As the August deadline approaches, the lawsuit underscores growing tension between religious expression and constitutional protections in public education.
